How to clean cats teeth

Cats, like humans, actually need to brush their teeth. According to statistics, 85% of cats over 3 years old suffer from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can easily cause inflammation of the tissues around the teeth and is the main cause of tooth loss in cats. In addition, when there is thick dental calculus on the teeth, the general brushing method cannot remove the dental calculus, and the cat must be taken to the pet hospital for anesthesia and dental cleaning. Just like humans, teeth are important organs. Losing teeth will significantly reduce the ability of elderly cats to absorb nutrients, affecting their health.

Let me tell you about 6 ways to clean your cat’s teeth, no brushing required!

A poll shows that more than two-thirds of cat owners are not in the habit of cleaning their cats’ teeth. Miao Yaojun asks you, do you brush your teeth often?
We know most people do it and they don’t need a reason. Yet when we tell cat owners that they should clean their cat’s teeth, we usually get a surprised look: “What? Are you kidding me? Cats need to brush their teeth too!” In this post, Meow Yaojun will help you understand the importance of cleaning your cat’s teeth.

Your cat’s teeth are no different than your teeth

Cats are mammals just like us humans. While we may have different shapes, different functions, and different numbers of teeth, generally their teeth are built in the same way, their growth is very similar to ours, and so are their decay and loss. So if there’s a reason why humans brush their teeth, it’s the same for cats and dogs.

Why it is necessary to clean your cat’s teeth:

Cat dental cleaning can prevent tooth decay and tooth loss. Life wouldn’t be so fun without teeth, right? Domestic cats can survive without teeth, but in the wild, losing teeth means becoming disabled and significantly reducing chances of survival. Also in the case of missing and painful teeth, your cat may not be able to fully digest his food, which may lead to malnutrition which may have adverse effects.
Cat dental cleaning prevents gum disease such as periodontitis, which is inflammation of the gum tissue. Gum disease can cause irritation and pain in the mouth and can spread inflammation to other parts of the body. Gum disease is the most common cause of bad breath in cats.
Cat dental cleaning can improve overall health by reducing the growth of bacteria in the mouth and its spread to various organs. In human medicine (and should be no different from veterinary medicine), the link between oral health and certain diseases, including cardiovascular disease, has been established.

Besides brushing, what else can you do for your cat’s dental health?

In this article, you’ll learn how to keep your cat’s teeth clean without brushing by using different cat teeth cleaning products. However, before you read, Meow Yaojun still hopes that you can understand the importance of tooth brushing for cats.

1. Although not as good as brushing your teeth, dental gel is the best choice.

If brushing your cat’s teeth is a problem, dental gel for cats is an easier option. Dental gel for cats contains enzymes that kill bacteria that cause tartar buildup, cavities, gum disease and irritation. Most commonly, you must apply the dental gel directly to your cat’s teeth, and this must be done daily, similar to brushing. You can buy an extra tube of cat toothpaste, but be sure to read the instructions for your specific product before using it.

2. Dental treats and sticks for cats

Can be used regularly to help remove plaque from your cat’s teeth. Research shows they can reduce the risk of tartar buildup. If you seek dental treatment, it’s a good idea to have your veterinarian look into your cat’s mouth regularly.

3. Dental wipes

Can also be used to clean cats’ teeth. We’re not sure if using these dental wipes technically counts as “no brushing” since you have to rub the wipe with your fingers and then move it around, like a brush. This still requires some training and takes the same amount of time as brushing your teeth. Dental cat chews help scrub away plaque and massage your cat’s gums.

4. Chew toys for cats

Similar to dental treatments in that they are abrasive and can help scrub away plaque and massage gums as cats chew on them. Most dental cat toys are filled with catnip, which encourages your cat to nibble on them; however, if your cat doesn’t show interest in the toy, you can also sprinkle some store-bought catnip on it.

5. Drinking water additives

Works like the gel mentioned above, but instead of applying it directly to your cat’s teeth, you pour the plaque remover into drinking water. In our opinion, it’s convenient, but less efficient than dental gel and you have to check if your cat is still drinking.

6. Dental cat food

It is a food specially designed by pet food companies to help cats’ dental health. Studies show that these foods do reduce tartar buildup, if they still don’t eliminate it. Please discuss the possibility of using dental cat food with your veterinarian.
Does this overview of several feline dental products give you some inspiration to feel less like you’re not cleaning your cat’s teeth? Yes, there are ways to keep your cat’s teeth clean without brushing, but you should know that brushing is by far the most effective way to keep your pet’s teeth healthy.